August Birthstones: Why Peridot and Spinel Are Perfect Companions for Your Personality

So, you’re an August-born? That alone makes you pretty unique. August is one of the few months that come with more than one birthstone, and both are, with rich histories, vivid coloring, and characteristics of stone owners that feel curated for people born in the sunshine month. In this blog, we explore why people born in August are so special, the signs of the zodiac and their characters, and why Peridot and Spinel are ideal august birthstones to wear like a badge of honor.

The Personality of August-Born People

If you were born in August, you belong to one of two astrological signs: Leo (July 23 – August 22) and Virgo (August 23 – September 22). These two signs may appear to be opposites; however, combined, they convey the open canvas of August personalities.

Leo (August)

Leos are ruled by the sun, and it shows. They are radiant and magnetic; typically, they are the life of the party, and they don’t try. If you are a Leo, folks would likely notice you immediately upon entering a room. You have a magnetic charm that can’t be taught. Most Leos are generous to a fault and quick to lend a hand to a friend. The artist, performer, entrepreneur: Leos loves to make and to shine.

With all this fiery energy, there will surely be more than a few Thanksgiving plays in the mix. Leos can often be larger than life. Sometimes their hot emotions run just that hot. However, the world would be a pretty boring place without their spark.

Virgo (Late August)

Conversely, Virgos embody balance. Practical, thoughtful, and detail-oriented, Virgos are the quiet powerhouses who keep life moving along steadily. While a Leo may invoke the vision, a Virgo knows how to bring it into focus. If you’re a Virgo, you’re probably the friend everyone counts on for trustworthy advice, the one who notices the small, often missed details, and the one who can take chaos and bring order to it. 

Many Virgos are attracted to beauty found in details – such as the cut of a stone or the texture of fabric, or the nuances of colors. Some might see it as perfectionism, but it is also precisely this beauty that makes them reliable and compassionate. 

This balance between fiery Leo and earthy Virgo creates a backdrop for August’s birthstones. Peridot and Spinel somehow managed to juxtapose these two influences of this interesting month.

The Story of Peridot: The Gem of the Sun(August Birthstone)

For thousands of years, Peridot has been revered. The Egyptians referred to it as the “stone of the sun,” and it is easy to understand why. Its olive-to-golden-green glow contains a hint of sunlight. 

What is particularly interesting about Peridot is the fact that, unlike all other gems that are formed close to the surface of the earth, Peridot is formed deep in the mantle and is brought up through volcanic eruptions, or in some cases, from outer space in meteorites. It is a REAL SPACE stone, robbing its cosmic superiority among almost all other gems.

When you raise a good piece of Peridot to the light, it almost seems to pulse. The best pieces all have a golden tone to them, which brings to life the green appearance, whatever the light condition, in daylight or candlelight.

At Gem Mines, we have worked with two types of Peridot: pure natural Peridot and commercially treated Peridot. The difference can not be overstated! Natural, non-treated Peridot has warmth and depth, and character that treated Peridot will never have. It feels organic, timeless, and earth-bound, where mass-produced treated stone never will.

Symbolism of Peridot

Peridot has had ties to abundance, protection, and positivity for a long time. People think it helps remove negative energy and helps promote different types of growth – growth of self and growth of others, not strictly physical. This is not surprising considering how much Leos particularly enjoy being close to the sunny images peridot reflects, while simultaneously growing through challenges and successes.

Spinel: The Hidden Treasure of August Birthstone

If Peridot shines bright in August’s starry veil, Spinel is the mysterious, adaptable sibling. For centuries, Spinel had been mistaken for other stones, especially rubies. Indeed, some of the most well-known “rubies” to adorn royalty – like the Black Prince’s Ruby in the British Crown – have turned out to be Spinel. 

However, Spinel shouldn’t have to hide in anyone’s shadow. It’s a unique gemstone in its own right that has a range of exceptional colors. You can find Spinel in intense reds, regal purples, eye-popping blues, and gentle pinks. It’s also dense, making it durable, and it can be traded with confidence knowing it can hold up in everyday wear.

At Gem Mines, we love untreated, natural Spinel. Its brilliance and fire are unbelievable – once you’ve seen it play tricks with the light and make you stop in your tracks, you will understand why Spinel has been so cherished by royalty for generations.

Symbolism of Spinel

Spinel is commonly understood as a stone of resilience and new beginnings. It is believed to assist in restoring energy, reducing stress, and providing a sense of equilibrium. Like the Virgo archetype, Spinel reflects earth and stability. For Leo, the color of Spinel and their expressive nature. 

Why Purity Matters in Gemstones

When you’re shopping for gemstones, you’ll likely hear the term treatments. Treatments are processes used to enhance a gem’s color or clarity, and while treatment is commonplace, the treatment could take away some of the inherent value of a genuine gemstone.

Untreated gemstones are a time capsule of sorts. They are a carrier of a story – years and years of heat, pressure, and nature’s artistry. When you’re wearing a natural Peridot or Spinel or any treated gemstone, you’re wearing a part of Earth’s history – it is unaltered and comes from the natural world.

At Gem Mines, the pure gemstone is valuable and not just monetary value, but a meaning of value – a pure stone is more raw, more alive, more personal, and more connected to the person that is wearing it.

Matching Your Gem to Your Personality

One of the beautiful things about August is that its two birthstones complement both sides of the month’s zodiac.

• For Leos: Peridot is almost made for you. Its sunny glow mirrors your radiant personality, and its connection to prosperity and success aligns with your ambitious nature. If you prefer Spinel, choose bold colors like fiery red or bright pink – they’ll amplify your confidence and passion.
• For Virgos: Spinel often resonates with your refined taste. Subtle shades like lavender, gray, or deep blue fit your appreciation for the unique and understated. Still, many Virgos find themselves drawn to Peridot’s grounding energy, which reflects their earth sign roots.

The truth is, there’s no rulebook. Some people wear both stones together – a mix of Peridot’s warmth and Spinel’s brilliance – and find the pairing incredibly meaningful.

Caring for Your August Gems

• Peridot Care: Peridot is softer (6.5-7 on the Mohs scale) and requires a softer touch. Clean it gently using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and do not use ultrasonic cleaners. Store it separately to prevent it from being scratched by other gems.
• Spinel Care: Spinel is more stable, so easier to wear daily. Clean it the same way and have a jeweler check the settings occasionally to ensure it has not been loosened. Spinel is stable and will not fade in the sun, so it is one of the more trustworthy gemstones for long-term wear.

Conclusion

Being born in August means you hit the gemstone jackpot! Not only do you have one gem to reflect your personality and who you are, but two – each telling a different side of your character and story. Peridot represents joy, prosperity, and vitality, with its warm, verdant glow – perfectly matched with your warm, sunny Leo spirit. Spinel can dazzle with many colors, has powerful strength, and fulfills the resiliency to maintain balance and complexity – just right for a thoughtful Virgo. 

Whether you are drawn to the earthy glow of Peridot or the bold sparkle of Spinel, or even the combined power of both, they give meaning and place to who you are and how you are present in the world. At Gem Mines, we believe that pure, untreated gemstones reflect the beauty and authenticity of each one of us. So, let your august birthstone shine as bright as you, wherever you choose to wear it.